I wrote this blog to keep notes on my daily life...some is about teaching, some about just plain normal life...who am I kidding? My life is anything but plain and normal! I hope you enjoy! I love to know who is reading so leave me a comment!!!!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

This Thanksgiving I was not looking forward to. I knew I would miss my Nannie terribly but also knew I would survive. After getting some advice (advice is stuff you already know, people just need to remind you) from a wonderful friend, I remembered that I didn't need to run away from my feelings by leaving town or anything like that...I need to feel my feelings and be with my feelings. I was sad, but it turned out to be a good day. I had pancakes for breakfast...laid around the house for a bit and then headed to mom's house. We picked up my grandmother and were off to Washougal to have a feast with my Aunt Sue and Uncle Mike. Among the guests were my two favorite...The A-Team! They are so darn cute! Even when they were upset and very tired they were too cute!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and had a lot to be thankful for!

Monday, November 23, 2009

I have to admit...I feel not quite right with my students lately. I haven't yet connected so well this year. I don't know what's different, but it's not right. Last year was my first year in first grade, but my second year with the same kids. That could be the difference. I knew those kids like they were my own and vice versa.

Today was a moment that made me realize why I do the job I do...

Mr. Z came up and exclaimed..."Miss MegPie! I LOVE this CD player! It taught me to READ! I can read this book now!" He was excited beyond words that he could now read. That is the empowerment kids need to make it all "click". My guess is that his reading will take off shortly. He had a perma smile ALL DAY!

Hey...even if it wasn't me that taught him to read...it made me happy!

Monday, November 16, 2009

I have been Christmas shopping on one of my favorite sites that I thought I would share with you guys incase you don't know about it! It's called Etsy.com and it has purely homemade things! It's wonderful for that unique gift you have been looking for. I love to purchase items for friends and family.

I recently purchased one of their amazing Scrabble Tile necklaces. I would post a pic, but one of my readers may or may not be the recipient! Wouldn't you like to know?!?!?!

Friday, November 13, 2009

After Tuesday's horrible fire at Marysville Elementary, I counted my blessings more than once. As a teacher, I realize how much I would lose if there was a fire in our building. But Portland has come through! A good friend is a teacher there. I emailed asking what they needed. Their request, very simple...nametags for desks and borders for walls. I knew I could do that. I sent out an email to my staff and within minutes a table was full of items to be shared with our "friends" at Marysville. Teachers stick together.

My friend offered to come get items yesterday, but I declined as I was waiting for more. I am glad I did. I got to experience Portland coming together to help this awesome school. For those of you who don't know, Marysville has taken over the Elementary School formerly known as Rose City Park.

Here is what happened when I went there today...

-security greeted me at the parking lot

-my friend brought out some of her friends to help and they were sporting their new shirts thanks to Nike, the shirts brought tears to my eyes. "Marysville" (on the front) "We will rise again" on the back

-once we walked into the building there were people EVERYWHERE...these people included: news crews, Nike employees, Portland Public School employees, donors, and many more!

-people were dropping things off like crazy...former teachers were bringing their old stuff by...there is a reason people keep that stuff...and this is it.

- as I unloaded my car, a Nike Van was behind me with a backpack full of supplies and a coat for EVERY student at the school...simply amazing.

-Nike has also provided food for the staff as well as a sport bag for each one

-Office Max is requesting wish lists from each teacher, and will be fulfilled

-Powell's Books said they would donate 800 books, and 1,500 showed up

I am overwhelmed with the support they have gotten...and don't even teach there!

All this great stuff...but still a lot of tears and a ton of emotion will be there over the weekend and especially Monday when the kids roll up to their new school on their buses that will bus them from the neighborhood near Marysville.

My thoughts, prayers, and strength will be with the staff and students as they endure a very hard next couple of weeks...Marysville, please know you have support from ALL over this place! You will rise again!